Alowca
This article outlines the region Alowca. For the realm of Alowca, see Alowca (Realm).
Alowca, known to some as The Hidden City, and to others as The City of the Phoenix is the southernmost city on The Colonies.
Alowca can only be found through the road network making its way south through the thick, oppressive palm jungle of Irdalni, or by ship. Its remote nature has meant that its population has remained isolated and distinct from many of the other major settled Colonial areas. Alowcans are a fiercely independent people, not easily governed and with their own unique culture. They are master shipbuilders and sea captains, and their skills have given Alowca great commercial importance. Trade of all kinds takes place in the Alowcan markets, with seemingly endless goods available from around the world.
The history of the city is steeped in blood and conflict. In years past, more than one ambitious Duke has sought to use Alowca as a base for the foundation of a new, independent Kingdom. This has, at various times, caused massive destruction and depopulation in Alowca. At one point, Alowca was in fact the capital of the theocratic state of Alowca, and home to the Trinitarian faith, but was razed to the ground in the various wars for control of the city.
Upon its destruction, governing the city became impossible and it had to be abandoned, and for decades the city sat in ruins with only a small population of transient wanderers calling it home. During its decline, the city's infrastructure was destroyed, and its past glory forgotten. Still, the small collection of families that refused to leave, even when the city was essentially destroyed, were a deeply faithful lot, and managed to cling to many old Alowcan traditions. The gongs, bells, prayers and drums of the competing faiths calling their followers to prayer at sunrise and sunset is an inescapable feature of life in Alowca, which is lauded by some and lamented by others.
The period of darkness in Alowca changed when the Republic of Halcyon, newly resurgent from its near destruction, took the city and hoisted the banner of the Burning Phoenix above its towers. Now, like the Phoenix itself being reborn, the walls have been rebuilt, the buildings restored, and the population grows by the day. As it re-established itself, Alowca had the honor of serving as the capital of Halcyon after the city of Alebad was lost due to the treachery of Johannes von Lunkhofen, which inspired the War of Southern Justice. Today, returned to her status as Halcyon's southern commercial city, Alowca is one of the most important cities on the continent, serving as a critical center of trade, art and military recruitment for Halcyon. The City of the Phoenix is reborn.
Alowcan Municipal Districts
The Knights pledged to the Governor of Alowca each hold an estate within the city that itself controls an entire section of the city. These internal regions are separated into five municipal districts.
Alowcan Center of Art and Culture
Perhaps one of the most famed areas within the city of Alowca, the Arts District, as it is informally known, is home to an eclectic mix of architectural styles hosting great collections of paintings, as well as theaters, concert halls, and many different places of worship. It is the home of artisans, poets, musicians and proselytizers of all stripes. Though once again thriving, the Arts District tends to serve as barometer to the fortunes of Alowca, with famine and war never often leaving the district quiet, and virtually abandoned. Today, though, it is among the foremost homes of culture on the continent.
Alowcan Commercial District
An affluent area in the heart of the city renowned for the vast public square that is often considered the hub of Alowcan life. This is the place where the citizens can gather to hear the latest news from around the city, the Republic and the continent. Always bustling with activity in the various thriving marketplaces, the Commercial District is the place to go if you wish to find people and goods from all over the known world. The square has had many names which often hail important figures in Alowcan past, but the resident's today have come to nickname the Arylonian Market, a fond nod to Caravanthian Arylon, the Halcyon governor who sunk so much of his personal fortune into the revival of the city, and in particular its commercial activity.
Red District
Alowca is among the least corrupt or immoral cities in The Colonies, but even the great cities of the world have areas where undesirables gather. The Red District, also known as Whoretown, is home to several houses of prostitution which are frequented daily by many of Alowca's most prominent citizens. In addition, this is where the criminal underworld has thrived in Southern Halcyon, with various gangsters, pickpockets, tricksters and charlatans waiting to prey on unsuspecting Alowcans. This is a place to mind your coin purse, and your virtue.
The Golden Keep
Once a soaring masterpiece from which the rulers of Alowca dominated all nearby lands, this opulent palace was constructed when the city was the capital of an independent kingdom, and has been fully restored. It is now home to the Governor of Alowca. The Golden Keep earned its nickname due to the golden dome structure atop the shining white marble of the keep itself, which is among the most recognizable and stunning symbols of the glory of Alowca. Inside is the governor's residence, as well as many opulent offices that are used for the administration of the city.
White Harbor
The great harbor of Alowca, named White Harbor due to the white stone buildings surrounding the shipping port, is the center of the Alowcan economy. It is here where great commercial ships arrive with goods from around The Colonies, as well as imports from ships sent from the other continents, including Dwilight, Beluaterra, East Continent and even some ships from South Island, though those ships are typically selling military hardware. White Harbor is a deepwater port, and despite Alowca's modest size in comparison with the other great cities of the continent, it is actually the largest port in The Colonies, able to service hundreds of ships per day.